Day 04: Views on Religion

Religion. One of the most disputed topics since the beginning of time.

For all of you to know, I am a Protestant. I am involved in our church’s music ministry. I’ve accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 4 years old. I am thankful to God that He continues to be gracious and merciful in my life, despite my imperfections and disobedience. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6). Having said that, I do believe that the biggest dispute between religions is that of salvation, the person of Jesus Christ (or His non-existence), and resurrection.

I believe that we are all sinners, however hard we try to be good (Rom. 3:23). The payment for this sin is death, young or old, good or bad (something to the lines of “Why do good people have to die?”). However, God made a way for us to be spiritually alive again. God’s gift is eternal life through His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:23). Jesus became Man so He can carry the sins of the world by being crucified. He was the one who bore the wrath of God the Father. I know some of you might view God as evil for letting His Son die. You see, that’s how holy He is. He cannot bear to see even one spot of sin. So if we told a white lie, got a few coins from your Mom’s purse, or got irritated with your friend, that’s already sin. Imagine mankind’s little sins all piled up…and placed on Jesus. When I think about this, I can’t help but feel grateful. He did not only die, but He also rose again from the dead. This is one of the most controversial topics that many scholars and scientists argue about. Until now, they cannot fully figure out the mystery behind such an occurrence. However, there are witnesses to this resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-5). 500 witnesses plus the apostles? You cannot simply say that it’s mass hallucination. Jesus’ resurrection is the hope of those who believe in Him, because we truly serve a risen Savior who is actively sovereign in our lives. I also believe that Christ will come again to take up His sons and daughters, those who believe in Him.

I tried my best to summarize my belief and view of religion in two paragraphs. This song, entitled “This I Believe (The Creed)” (click the title to listen to the song) used the Apostles’ Creed as its lyrics. This is what I believe, and it is only by God’s enablement that I will be able to show and share the One who saved me.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.